Does Human Rights Watch pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Human Rights Watch employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.5 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Human Rights Watch. This rating has decreased by 6% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Human Rights Watch?

62% of Human Rights Watch employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Human Rights Watch 3.1 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.3 for culture and values and 2.7 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Human Rights Watch?

Intern (38) , Associate (23) , Researcher (15) , Coordinator (12) , Internship (7) , Senior Researcher (7) , Manager (5) , Associate Director (4) , Development and Outreach (4) , Managing Director (4) , Research Assistant (4) , Summer Intern (4) , Deputy Director (3) , Development Intern (3) , Director (3)

What are the pros of working at Human Rights Watch according to real employee reviews?

"Great colleagues" ((in 24 reviews)); "Great people to work with!" ((in 18 reviews)); "The benefits are good" ((in 14 reviews)); "Gives opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives." ((in 7 reviews)); "Work environment is positive and supportive." ((in 7 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Human Rights Watch according to real employee reviews?

"It is an unpaid internship and living in New York City is very expensive so you have to find means to support yourself" ((in 16 reviews)); "bad management" ((in 8 reviews)); "There is little substantive work and support staff are made to feel guilty if they need to take overtime." ((in 7 reviews)); "The pay is low." ((in 5 reviews)); "Excessive workloads, poor managers and chaotic culture" ((in 5 reviews))

What are employees saying about Human Rights Watch layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Human Rights Watch layoffs and their outlook for job security at Human Rights Watch in 2026.

Human Rights Watch reviews

3.2

62% would recommend to a friend

(180 total reviews)

Kenneth Roth

57% approve of CEO

33% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (180 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Human Rights Watch has an employee rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars, based on 180 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Human Rights Watch employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the ONG et associations à but non lucratif industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

180 reviews

3.0

Sep 18, 2019

Many divisions need new leadership

Associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Well structured organization with a lot of potential.

Cons

Many managers have been around for over 15 years and are stuck in their old ways of doing things. Not willing to change fast enough or let new people in.

5.0

Jul 29, 2019

Like a second family

Business development

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

It may not be everyone's experience, but for me it has been like a warm, super-functional and competent family. I had the chance to grow immensely during my tenure, the benefits are very generous, and both management and my colleagues have been nothing but supportive and inspiring.

Cons

There are some growth pain as the organization grows in budget and personnel. However, HRW is not shying away from difficulties. It is devoting time, talent and other resources to deal with issues and to make everyone not only feel heard, but also respected.

1.0

Apr 14, 2022

terrible, toxic organization

Associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- well-known organization - brings awareness to serious human rights violations worldwide

Cons

- toxic culture, bullying, sexual harassment - mistreatment of entry to mid-level staff swept under the rug, if not condoned - practice of hiring overqualified individuals and severely underpaying them

Viewing 19 - 21 of 180 Reviews

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Jobs at Human Rights Watch

Development & Outreach Department Intern

Paris

View job